From the School Administration
Dear Belvedere Families,
It has been a warm and sunny week at Belvedere. Students are enjoying the last few days of a very warm fall, playing outside in shorts and t-shirts.
Thank you to all who came to the PTA Meeting, either in person or through the virtual link. We had approximately 25 people in attendance. PTA volunteers held a successful bake sale outside of school during election day. Thank you to everyone for supporting our school.
As you know, this year all grade levels are implementing a new language arts curriculum. It includes units of study focused on different social studies and science topics. The upcoming units focus on government and emphasize the following:
Kinder: Rules at Home and School
Essential Question: Why do we have Rules?
Knowledge Goals: In this unit, Kindergarteners will read and learn about the importance of rules at home and schools. They will talk about how to stay safe at home, school and in the community by following rules. Students will also be learning about how rules help us act responsibility, get along with others, and make good choices.
1st: Being a Good Community Member
Essential Question: Why do people get involved in their communities?
Knowledge Goals: In this unit, 1st graders will read and compare selections about people who have made contributions to their communities to understand what it means to be a good citizen. They will explore the idea that when people exhibit the qualities of good citizenship, communities become safer and more enjoyable. 1st grade will also be looking into how responsible citizens follow laws and principles that include respect for the rights, opinions, and property of others.
2nd: Government at Work
Essential Questions: Why do we need a government?
Knowledge Goals: In this unit, students will read informational texts about present-day government workers and laws, as well as historical fiction stories set during the American Revolution. They will synthesize information to build the following: The U.S. Government provides laws and services to help protect the freedom and safety of the people. People can contribute to their communities and their government in many different ways. The United States can be represented by symbols and documents. Historical fiction is a genre that bases its stories and characters on actual events and people from the past.
3rd: Government for the People
Essential Questions: Why do people participate in Government?
Knowledge Goals: In this unit, students will read informational texts about people and organizations that work to help others and ensure rights, and about the evolution of voting rights in the U.S. They will synthesize information to build the following: Participating in government gives people a voice in how their lives are governed. In a democracy, people have a civic duty to take part in government and contribute to their communities. Throughout history, people in the United States have protested unjust laws and worked with the government to gain rights and equal and fair treatment. There are many ways to participate in government, including: voting, proposing new laws, petitioning leaders, protesting inequality, and/or serving as a volunteer or worker.
4th: Government in Action
Essential Questions: How can government influence the way we live?
Knowledge Goals: In this unit, students will read informational texts and fictional stories about the interactions between citizens and government. They will build schema around the following concepts. They will synthesize information to build the following: Local, state, and federal governments have and share different powers and responsibilities. All levels of government provide services that promote the wellbeing of society, such as education, transportation, and the protection of people’s health and safety. Elected representatives, government officials, and volunteers work together at all levels of government to solve problems in times of crisis. We can learn about power and the role of government not just through nonfiction but also through fiction and fictional scenarios
5th: The U.S. Constitution: Then and Now
Essential Questions: Why do laws continue to evolve?
Knowledge Goals: In this unit, students will read selections from several informational social studies texts. They will build schema around the following concepts. They will synthesize information to build the following: The purpose of the U.S. Constitution was to outline the powers and responsibilities of the three branches of the federal government. The laws of U.S. Constitution can be added to through the amendment process. Some laws need to be amended to eliminate bias and to expand the protection of people’s rights. Citizens may petition or protest for a cause and for changes to be made to laws. Determination is an important factor in working for changes to the U.S. Constitution.
Since Veterans’ Day falls on Monday, which is a school holiday, we celebrated Veterans today. Ms. Boone, Assistant Principal, along with our Technology Specialist and Librarian, put together a slide show with photos of veterans in our Belvedere community. Additionally, every grade level engaged the students in an activity connected to celebrating our veterans.
We wish you a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Cecilia Vanderhye, Principal
Tara Boone, Assistant Principal
Kelly Cabezas, Assistant Principal
Picture Re-Take Day is this Tuesday!
School Picture Re-Takes will take place this Tuesday, November 12 from 10am-2pm.
This picture day is for any student who was absent on our original picture day (Sept. 13) or for any student whose family wishes to have their pictures redone.
If you wish to have your student's pictures redone, please send the original picture package back with your student on Tuesday to give to the photographer.
A Note from Jaclyn Walsh, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher
FCPS provides a continuum of services to challenge and engage all students. Full-time AAP services support students in grades 3-5. To learn more about the Screening and Identification Process for Full-time AAP services, please join me on Thursday, November 14th from 6:00-7:00 PM. This presentation details the multiple pathways to Advanced Academic Programming and the screening and referral process.
Translation services are available. Please reach out to Jaclyn Walsh at jwalsh@fcps.edu to request translation services.
Join us for our upcoming Parent Coffee!
📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month
As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.
Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair
Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School.
The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.
Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students
Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.
Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.
For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Need to Register for ParentVUE?
Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.
Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).
Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates
Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).
Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.
This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reports and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.
We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
If you prefer to have an abbreviated way to share district news, consider sharing the language below in your newsletter. Please edit the list of topics to best fit the needs of your community.
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FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Calendar Reminders
- Resources for Families
- Complete Impact Aid Survey
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Get Your Books Ready for Belvedere's Read-A-Thon: Nov 12-26!
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The PTA is proud to announce our second annual Belvedere Read-a-Thon fundraiser that not only supports our school’s field trips and classroom supplies, but encourages students' reading habits!
We have set a goal to raise $20,000, and students and families are asked to collect monetary pledges of support from friends, family, and neighbors. People can donate a flat amount ($20, $50, $100 etc.) or pledge an amount based on the number of minutes read by your student.
Detailed information will be sent home in students’ folders on Friday, November 8 and you will receive an email from the fundraising platform we are using, 99 Pledges.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Read-a-Thon coordinator Laura Nunneker at lauradiserio@gmail.com. Please help us support this wonderful fundraiser by sharing it with your networks. Our Bulldogs will benefit from every dollar raised…and every book read!
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Resources for Students by Fairfax County Park Authority
Winter Camps - Registration Opens Tuesday, October 22 at 9 a.m.
Plan to keep the holiday cheer going with winter camp offerings taking place when schools close for holiday breaks and cultural observances. These single-day and two-day camp sessions run December 8-February 17.
Learn More About Camps
Explore Winter Camps
Winter Classes - Registration Opens Tuesday, December 3 at 9 a.m.
There is more to come, so check back for registration updates at Parktakes Online.
Discounts applies for families in the Free and Reduce meal program.
If you need more information, please contact Mrs. Plazas, Family Liaison at 703-916-6824.
Lacrosse Clinic Held by Justice Girls Lacrosse!
Justice Girls Lacrosse is hosting a Fall Clinic, which is a fantastic opportunity for both beginner and experienced players. Targeting girls in 5th – 8th grade in the Justice Pyramid, this clinic will feature our dedicated coaching staff and Varsity players, all focused on growing the sport of lacrosse in our community. Over three days, players will learn essential passing and catching fundamentals, offensive and defensive strategies, and wrap up each session with small-sided competitive scrimmages. The cost is $50 and includes a t-shirt! Lacrosse is a growing sport in the U.S. and will be featured in the 2028 Summer Olympics! We hope to continue expanding the sport in our community and grow our Justice GLAX program. We finished our season as National District Champions and advanced to the Occoquan Region Semi-finals for the second year in a row! We also celebrated Coach of the Year and had the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year in the National District. To say we are proud is an understatement! Our goal is to continue this success and make history each year, and we want you to be a part of it!
If you are interested in registering, please complete the form HERE.
Get Your Books Ready for Belvedere's Read-A-Thon: Nov 12-26!
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The Belvedere PTA invites all students to participate in a Read-a-Thon, Nov. 12-26! This fundraiser supports programs the PTA helps fund like field trips and classroom supplies, while also encouraging good reading habits.
The PTA's goal is to raise $20,000 for this event. Students and families are asked to collect monetary pledges of support from friends, family and neighbors. People can donate a flat amount ($5, $20, $50, $100, etc) or pledge an amount based on the number of minutes -- or to, or by, students!
Please review the information sent home in your students’ folders this week and look for an email from the fundraising platform we are using, 99 Pledges, where you can track reading minutes and donate directly on your child's personal page.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Read-a-Thon coordinator Laura Nunneker at lauradiserio@gmail.com. Please help us support this amazing fundraiser by sharing it with your networks. Our Bulldogs will benefit from every dollar raised and every book read!
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Spirit Wear Sale Closes Nov. 18
The Belvedere Spirit Wear shop is open for orders until Nov. 18, 2024. Go to https://belvedere24.itemorder.com/shop/home/ to order Bulldog t-shirts, sweatshirts and more – for students and adults. Orders take 3-4 weeks to process so order now for the holidays.
Add to Calendar: December Events
Dec. 1-18: Purse raffle! Buy tickets ($10/each to win a designer purse – a great holiday gift idea. Details to come!
Dec. 4: PTA Community Meeting at BES and online.
Dec. 14: Fun Run. Come cheer on BES students as they run on the field at school. BES spirit wear and wrapping paper will also be on sale.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM)
Learn more about the criteria and process to apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.
If you need assistance with the Free and Reduced-Meal application, please visit Belvedere's Family Liaison, Mrs. Plazas in the Parent Center or you may call her office at (703) 916-6824
FCPS CARES Program
The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.
Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:
- A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s).
- All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
- Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
- Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word, and then paste it into the text box provided.
For questions, please email employeeawards@fcps.edu.
Read more and Submit an FCPS CARES today!
Belvedere is on Instagram
Welcome back, Belvedere families! 🎉 New school year, new Instagram account! 📸 We’re thrilled to share all the incredible moments ahead. Stay tuned and follow along!
https://www.instagram.com/belvedereelem/
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
National Career Development Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.
National Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.
Upcoming Dates
- November 11-15: National School Psychology Week
- This week we celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive.
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Monday, November 11, is a holiday and schools will be closed for students. |
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American Education Week
For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work in our Belvedere community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association. Want to recognize someone from our school who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.
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